She handed Danny to him and he laid the boy on his lap, feet toward him. He slowly, gently, lifted the child’s knees toward his abdomen and then repeated the movement several times. It reminded her somewhat of the stretching movements she had performed for Sir John.
At first Danny’s face continued to pucker, but after several more repetitions, her little angel broke wind. Hannah was embarrassed and relieved both. The boy’s small abdomen became less distended as the pressure eased.
Sir John smiled. “There we go. That’s better, ay, little man?”
Danny relaxed and Sir John lowered the boy’s legs, keeping his large hands on her son’s pudgy white feet. Danny looked up at his deliverer and cooed.
It nearly broke her heart.
Chapter17
James lingered over breakfast the next morning, waiting for the lady of the house to join him. When she finally entered the dining parlor, she hesitated at seeing him, no doubt unsure what sort of reception to expect. He couldn’t blame her for not being happy to see him after their recent conversation.
“Good morning, Mr. Lowden.”
“Morning.” He sipped tepid coffee and waited while she poured her own cup at the sideboard and helped herself to bread and butter.
She sat across from him, and he noticed her fingers tremble as she picked up the delicate china cup.
He studied her, sitting with such perfect posture, little finger raised, the picture of a poised lady. It annoyed him.
She took the tiniest bite of her bread and chewed daintily. The silence between them stretched.
He drummed his fingers on the table, scowling. Glancing around to assure they were alone, he said in a low voice, “I understand why you did it, but what I don’t understand is ... why does Sir John go along with it?”
He looked at her, waiting for her to enlighten him. Wondering if she would deny knowing what he was talking about.
She sighed and whispered, “I am not certain.”
“You haven’t asked him?”
She shook her head.
He rose and stood at the window, squinting into the morning sun. “Why would a man allow another woman to take his wife’s place?”
When she made no reply, he said, “Unfortunately, I can think of several reasons.” He frowned, turning back to her. “What about the child—Dr. Parrish mentioned you returned to Bath for him after the accident. Has Sir John said anything about him?”
“Only that he sees no resemblance between Danny and himself.”
James felt his brows rise. “Did he? When was this?”
“Soon after he awoke. Mrs. Turrill and Dr. Parrish both went on about how Danny looked like him, but on both occasions, Sir John said he saw no resemblance.”
“That must have been awkward.”
“Yes, it was.” She lifted her chin, eyes sparking defiantly. “Any other questions,counselor?”
His gaze lingered on her bright eyes, her high color, her tight lips.... “Only one. For now. How far do you plan to take this?”
She exhaled deeply. “I don’t know. I never planned to take it this far. All I wanted was to get Danny back. I never expected Sir John to do more for us. I thought I would remain until my arm mended. But Sir John awoke before I could leave. And he did not expose me. In fact, he seemed to encourage the pretense.”
“Why?”
“At first I thought it was his head wound, that he was confused. But now...” Her words trailed away on a shrug.
James wondered if there was more to the story than she was willing to tell him.
“Does he love you?” he asked.
